Smoke free NHS County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust

Healthwatch County Durham and Healthwatch Darlington undertook research on views and experiences of the smoke-free policy introduced by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in October 2019. The project was commissioned by the Trust to understand the views of patients, visitors and staff following the introduction of its smoke-free hospital policy. Healthwatch gathered 218 survey responses across the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital, including feedback from 100 patients, 58 visitors and 60 staff members. 

The research found broad support for the smoke-free policy, with many respondents stating that it was the right decision and that hospital sites should promote healthier environments. Most patients and staff understood the policy and reported seeing signs and hearing announcements explaining the changes. However, many people said they had still witnessed smoking on hospital grounds and were uncertain about how effectively the policy would be enforced. 

The findings also highlighted mixed views about e-cigarettes. While some respondents viewed them as a useful tool to help people stop smoking, others were concerned about their long-term safety and felt there was insufficient evidence about their health impacts. Among respondents who smoked, some felt the policy could help them reduce or stop smoking, but there was less confidence that the policy alone would encourage long-term behaviour change. 

Healthwatch concluded that the smoke-free policy was generally well supported but that its success would depend on consistent implementation and clear communication. Recommendations included strengthening enforcement of the policy, providing further information about the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation, ensuring staff understood their role in supporting the policy, reviewing signage and cigarette disposal arrangements, and considering staff safety when challenging people who smoke on hospital premises.